The #1 Nutrient for Healthy Aging, Recommended by Dietitians

Living a healthy and long life is a goal you might have. And while there are some factors you can’t control, there are some you can. Did you know that swapping out some steak dinners for something plant-based and rich in protein (think legumes, nuts and seeds) may help support healthy aging? 

Eating more plant-based proteins is linked to aging well, as shown by better scores on the Successful Aging Index (SAI). This index has been developed and validated using ten attributes that reflect and are associated with the aging process. “This means plant-based diets can help people live longer and stay healthier by lowering the risk of age-related diseases,” says Carla Hernandez, a registered dietitian in Los Angeles.

In this article, dietitians explain how plant-based protein is linked to a longer, healthier life.

Why Plant Protein Is the Best Nutrient for Healthy Aging

“Diets higher in plant protein also tend to be higher in fiber, antioxidants, phytochemicals and healthy fats compared to diets higher in animal proteins,” says Taylor McClelland Newman, M.S., RD, LD. “Each of these can contribute to improved metabolic health, reduced inflammation, and overall lower disease risk.” And those are all key factors for healthy aging.

Here’s how plant proteins can help support healthy aging:

May Increase Your Lifespan

Research shows that replacing just one serving of red meat per day with plant-based protein foods, such as legumes and whole grains, may be associated with a 7% to 19% lower risk of premature death.

“Legumes and beans are considered both a vegetable and a meat alternative due to their similar nutrient profile, which is rich in protein, iron, and zinc,” says Violeta Morris, RDN, a dietitian based in Columbus, OH. “Legumes and beans typically provide 7 to 15 grams of protein per half-cup serving (cooked), depending on the type,” she says. As a reference, one ounce of skinless cooked chicken breast provides around 9 grams of protein. 

In a study of 3,721 people, researchers found that when people replaced 3% of their daily calories from animal or dairy protein with plant-based ones, their chances of aging healthily increased by 22% to 58%. “In other words, swapping these foods for plant protein had a significant positive impact on healthy aging,” Morris says.

Even more so, some research has found that plant-based protein may be linked to longer telomeres (a sign of cell health) and better overall health markers.

May Balance Your Blood Sugar

About 98 million American adults (more than 1 in 3) have prediabetes, and around 38 million have diabetes. Needless to say, high blood sugar is a public health concern. That’s why Morris says she encourages her clients to focus on plant-based protein sources as one of the most effective ways to manage blood sugar levels.

Data has found that plant-based proteins may help lower blood sugar after meals and improve HbA1c (your average blood glucose level over the past two to three months) in people with type 2 diabetes. “For instance, beans contain natural chemicals like anthocyanidins, which help lower blood sugar by blocking enzymes that break down sugar,” Morris says. “These foods are also high in fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.”

May Help You Fight Inflammation

Newman notes that plant-based protein sources, such as soy, lentils, quinoa and seeds, are packed with antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and beta-carotene. These nutrients help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation, all key factors in healthy aging. 

Plant-based proteins also contain other potent compounds, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, that help support heart health, lower inflammation and may help prevent age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. “By promoting cell repair and supporting immune function, these plant-based proteins play an important role in supporting longevity and overall well-being,” Newman says. “Fiber-rich foods help feed good gut bacteria, which then produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that support your immune system and reduce inflammation,” adds Newman.

May Help You Prevent Muscle Loss

As we age, we become less active and naturally lose muscle, a process known as sarcopenia. Along with resistance training, increasing protein intake can help slow this muscle loss. So, you’ll want to add a variety of plant-based proteins throughout your day to get the complete amino acid profile needed for maintaining muscle.

Specifically, soy, seitan, tempeh, lentils, and pumpkin seeds are all great sources of leucine, a key amino acid for stimulating muscle protein synthesis, Newman says. Research shows that although plant-based proteins may require higher intake to match the leucine content of animal proteins, they can still effectively support muscle growth.

Tips to Get More Plant-Based Protein in Your Diet 

• Distribute your protein intake throughout the day: Newman recommends spreading your protein intake across all meals and snacks to maximize muscle protein synthesis. That means making sure you get enough protein at breakfast, not just dinner.
• Add more beans and legumes to your diet: For extra protein and nutrients, add beans and legumes to stews, chilis, soups and even salads. You can batch-cook a pot ahead of time and add it to recipes all week long.
• Experiment with soy foods: Tofu is an excellent protein source, with half a cup providing around 22 grams. You can add it to stir-fries and savory dishes, but it’s also great blended into smoothies for a rich, creamy texture without altering the flavor. “I personally love unprocessed soy foods because they are some of the highest in plant protein and have been a staple in Asian countries, contributing to their longevity and good health,” Hernandez says.

The Bottom Line

If you want to improve your health to help you age gracefully, choosing more plant-based protein foods over animal-based ones is a small step you can take. Plant-based foods high in protein, such as legumes, nuts and seeds, not only provide protein, a key nutrient for healthy aging but are also packed with others that can help you achieve this goal. These foods contain compounds such as antioxidants, vitamins, fiber and minerals that contribute to better health and, therefore, help you live healthier and longer.